Army football: Anderson still rehabbing, but optimistic on return

WEST POINT — Stephen Anderson took the Michie Stadium turf for pregame warm-ups in Army sweats.

BY Sal Interdonato

WEST POINT — Stephen Anderson took the Michie Stadium turf for pregame warm-ups in Army sweats.

Anderson's helmet and No. 50 jersey would remain in the locker room this time. He had none of his trademark eye black on.

Anderson, starting middle linebacker and defensive captain, was reduced to coaching up his teammates during the Black & Gold scrimmage on Saturday.

It's a sight Army fans hope they've watched for the final time.

Anderson missed spring practices while recovering from December surgery to his left knee following a torn anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament.

Anderson said he's on track to be ready for preseason practice in August. Anderson's rehab is a few weeks ahead of schedule.

"I just started jumping rope, some sled pulls and squats," Anderson said. "It's not swelling up afterwards. It's nice to do a whole workout again, have my balance back and actually feel like an athlete again."

Coach Rich Ellerson is taking a more cautious approach. Ellerson built up depth at middle linebacker during spring practice with freshman Nate Combs and junior Kingsley Ehie, a starting fullback last season, just in case Anderson's return is delayed.

"We have Steve Anderson coming back and it looks like it's a great recovery, but still he's coming off of something," Ellerson said.

For Anderson, the baby steps are over. He hopes to be running, sprinting and cutting soon.

"I'm going to have people throw bags at my legs," Anderson said. "I'm going to do as much as I can, so when I go live, it's more comfortable the first time back in pads."

Army will return eight starters from a unit that ranked 16th in the country last year. Anderson was second on the team with 83 tackles despite missing the last three games. "We are going to be aggressive," Anderson said. "We are going to be chaotic. We are going to be coming after you."